Stable surfactant compositions for suspending components

ABSTRACT

A free-flowing surfactant composition comprising at least one anionic surface-active agent, an alkanolamide, an electrolyte, and water is described. In particular, the composition is a surfactant composition that has free-flowing non-Newtonian shear thinning properties and the ability to suspend components and is stable under at least one freeze/thaw cycle.

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of earlierfiled and copending U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/341,845 filedDec. 21, 2001 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/369,216 filed Apr.1, 2002, the contents of each of which are incorporated by referenceherein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention relates to aqueous free-flowing compositions. Inparticular, the invention relates to surfactant compositions that havefree-flowing non-Newtonian shear thinning properties and the ability tosuspend components.

2. Background of Related Art

It has been documented that free-flowing non-Newtonian shear thinningpersonal care preparations, comprised of well defined surfactantmixtures, are capable of suspending water-insoluble particles orpartially insoluble components, such as vegetable oils, mineral oils,silicone oils, solid particles, abrasives, and similar articles.Examples of such preparations can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,628and U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,500, each of which are incorporated by referenceherein to the extent they are not inconsistent with this application.These systems provide a means to include otherwise difficult toincorporate components in surfactant mixtures resulting in cosmeticpreparations with multi-functional benefits including, in some cases,cleansing, moisturizing, improved skin feel, exfoliation/abrasion, novelappearance, or a combination of these benefits.

The rheological behavior of all surfactant solutions, including liquidpersonal care solutions, is believed to be dependent on theirmicrostructure, i.e., the shape and concentration of micelles or otherself-assembled structures in solutions.

Micelles are not necessarily spherical and may, for example, exist ascylindrical or discoidal micelles. At higher concentrations more orderedliquid crystal phases such as lamellar phases, hexagonal phases or cubicphases may form. Surfactants can take on organized phases above thecritical micelle concentration or CMC. (The CMC is defined as theconcentration of a surfactant at which it begins to form micelles insolution.) The rheology of the phase is very important when consideringthe usefulness of a surfactant system.

The rheology of surfactant systems can be described in terms ofNewtonian and non-Newtonian viscosities. The rheology of a Newtoniansurfactant is described as having a viscosity that is independent of theshear rate (i.e., the system will have the same viscosity as differentlevels of shear are applied). The rheology of a non-Newtonian surfactantsystem is described as having a viscosity that is dependent on the shearrate. For a non-Newtonian shear thinning surfactant system, viscositywill be reduced as shear rate is increased. This non-Newtonianrheological behavior effectively allows the suspension of undissolvedsolids, liquids and gases.

According to U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,628, free flowing non-Newtonian shearthinning cosmetic preparations with good storage stability propertiescan be prepared utilizing specified surfactant mixtures comprised of ananionic surfactant, sodium lauryl ether sulfate (also known as sodiumlaureth sulfate) and identified co-surfactants and electrolytes.Experiments confirm that non-Newtonian shear thinning formulations canbe prepared following the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,628. Thesubject formulations demonstrate good room temperature (25° C.) andelevated temperature (45° C.) viscosity stabilities. However, suchsystems may not exhibit optimum performance under all conditionsincluding, but not limited to, freeze/thaw conditions.

Other disclosures suggest the use of fatty acid structurants tostabilize lamellar phase systems (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,150,312,5,952,286 and 5,962,395). The inherent disadvantage of such systemsrequiring fatty acid ingredients is that fatty acids form insolublesalts (Ca⁺² and Mg⁺² salts) in hard water, which leave an undesirableresidue on surfaces such as hair, skin, hard surfaces, etc. This residueis particularly unwanted in shampoo formulations where it will causedulling of the hair and will act as a foam depressant that negativelyimpacts high foaming cosmetic formulations such as hair shampoos andbody washes.

Moreover, it is difficult to maintain the stability and integrity ofother known systems, particularly under freeze/thaw conditions.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to obtain a free flowingnon-Newtonian shear thinning composition suitable for use in personalcare compositions having the capacity to suspend water-insolubleparticles and having stability under freeze/thaw conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Stable, free flowing cosmetic formulations containing anionicsurfactants, electrolytes and alkanolamides, which include long-chainaliphatic hydroxy (or polyhydroxy) amides (hereinafter referred to aslong-chain aliphatic acid alkanolamides) or alkoxy long-chain aliphatichydroxy (or polyhydroxy) amides (hereinafter referred to as alkoxylong-chain aliphatic acid alkanolamides), can be prepared which areideally suited for the suspension of insoluble particles.

The compositions of the invention may be made by any suitable method forforming a free flowing composition. Electrolyte, surfactant andalkanolamide amounts may be variously adjusted to create a balance thatyields the free flowing composition.

The compositions of the invention may be used to suspend agents usefulin skin and hair care treatments including, but not limited to, UVabsorbers, hair conditioning agents, hair and skin conditioning agentsfor use in 2 in 1 child care formulations that are tear free, skinconditioning agents, anti-bacterial agents, styling polymers for hairand skin care formulations (including rinse off applications such asshampoos), conditioning polymers for hair and skin care formulations,precipitated conditioning polymers for enhanced active delivery to hairand skin, conditioning polymers possessing high molecular weights and/orcationic charge densities for hair and skin care formulations,surfactants usually associated with solid formulations (such as cocoylisethionates), and swellable polymers which hydrate only on application.The compositions of the invention may also be used in the preparation ofstable, multi-phase personal care formulations, including those withcolored stripes found in body washes, hair shampoos, skin cleansers,child care formulations, facial washes, and skin treatments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to surfactant compositions which exhibitnon-Newtonian shear thinning behavior (herein referred to as freeflowing compositions). These compositions comprise water, at least oneanionic surfactant, at least one electrolyte, and at least onealkanolamide. The composition may further comprise water-insolubleparticles or partially insoluble components, and/or one or moreadditional surfactants taken from the categories of anionic surfactants,nonionic surfactants, amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactants, andcationic surfactants. The compositions of the present invention arestable compositions, which can suspend difficult to incorporatecomponents and are stable under freeze/thaw conditions.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors believe that insome examples the compositions of the invention may have a lamellarstructure. The compositions of the invention have free-flowingnon-Newtonian shear thinning properties and the ability to suspendcomponents (which are known characteristics of lamellar phase surfactantcompositions).

The anionic surfactant may be, for example, an aliphatic sulfonate, suchas a primary alkane (e.g., C₈-C₂₂) sulfonate, primary alkane (e.g.,C₈-C₂₂) disulfonate, C₈-C₂₂ alkene sulfonate, C₈-C₂₂ hydroxyalkanesulfonate or alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonate (AGS); an aromatic sulfonatesuch as alkyl benzene sulfonate, or a mixture thereof.

The anionic surfactant may also be an alkyl sulfate (e.g., C₁₂-C₁₈ alkylsulfate) or alkyl ether sulfate (including alkyl glyceryl ethersulfates). Preferred among the alkyl ether sulfates are those having theformula:

RO(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)SO₃M  (ii)

wherein R is an alkyl or alkenyl having 8 to 18 carbons, typically 12 to18 carbons; n has an average value typically between 0 and 7, preferablybetween 0.5 and 3; and M is a solubilizing cation such as sodium,magnesium, potassium, ammonium or substituted ammonium. Lauryl andtridecyl R groups are preferable in some embodiments. The hydrophobicchain may be saturated or unsaturated, straight chain or branched.

The anionic surfactant may also be alkyl sulfosuccinates (includingmono- and dialkyl, e.g., C₆-C₂₂ sulfosuccinates), alkyl and acyltaurates, alkyl and acyl sarcosinates, sulfoacetates, C₈-C₂₂ alkylphosphates, alkyl phosphate esters, alkoxyl alkyl phosphate esters, acyllactates, C₈-C₂₂ monoalkyl succinates and maleates, and acylisethionates.

Sulfosuccinates may include monoalkyl sulfosuccinates having theformula:

R₄O₂CCH₂CH(SO₃M)CO₂M;  (iii)

amido-MEA (monoethanolamide) sulfosuccinates of the formula

R₄CONHCH₂CH₂O₂CCH(SO₃M)CH₂CO₂M  (iv)

wherein R₄ ranges from C₈ to C₂₂ alkyl and M is a solubilizing cation;andamido-MIPA (monoisopropanolamide) sulfosuccinates of the formula

RCONHCH₂CH(CH₃)O₂CCH(SO₃M)CH₂CO₂M  (v)

where M is as defined above for formula (ii) and R ranges from C₈ to C₂₂alkyl.

Also included as anionic surfactants are the alkoxylated citratesulfosuccinates and alkoxylated sulfosuccinates such as, the following:

R—O—(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)C—CH₂CH(SO₃M)CO₂M  (vi)

where M is as defined above for formula (ii) and R ranges from C₁₀ toC₂₂ alkyl.

Sarcosinates are generally indicated by the formula

RCON(CH₃)CH₂CO₂M,

wherein R ranges from C₈ to C₂₂ alkyl and M is a solubilizing cation.

Taurates are generally identified by the formula:

R₂CONR₃CH₂CH₂SO₃M  (vii)

wherein R₂ ranges from C₈ to C₂₂ alkyl, R₃ ranges from C₁ to C₄ alkyl,and M is a solubilizing cation.

Another class of anionic surfactants are carboxylates of the followingformula:

R—O—(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)CO₂M  (viii)

wherein R is C₈ to C₂₂ alkyl; n is 0 to 20; and M is as defined above informula (ii). Other carboxylates which can be used include amido alkylpolypeptide carboxylates.

Other anionic surfactants which may be used are the C₈-C₂₂ acylisethionates. These esters are prepared by reaction of alkali metalisethionate with mixed aliphatic fatty acids having from about 6 toabout 22 carbon atoms and an iodine value of less than about 20. Atleast about 75% of the mixed fatty acids have from about 12 to about 18carbon atoms and up to about 25% have from about 6 to about 10 carbonatoms.

The acyl isethionate may be an alkoxylated isethionate such as isdescribed in Ilardi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,466, hereby incorporatedby reference to the extent it is consistent with this invention andapplication. This compound has the general formula:

wherein R is an alkyl group having 8 to 22 carbons, m is an integer from1 to 4, X and Y are hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbons,and M⁺ is a monovalent cation such as, for example, sodium, potassium orammonium.

Anionic surfactants with branched alkyl chains such as sodium tridecethsulfate, for example, are preferred in some embodiments. Also, mixturesof anionic surfactants may be used in some embodiments.

The amount of anionic surfactant ingredient is typically about 5% toabout 30%, and preferably about 10% to about 20% by weight of thecomposition.

Except in the examples or where otherwise explicitly indicated, allnumbers in this disclosure indicating amounts or ratios of materials orconditions of reactions, physical properties of materials and/or use areunderstood to be modified by the word “about”.

Where weight of a surfactant is utilized in this disclosure, weight isunderstood to mean weight of active surfactant, with the exception ofthe examples in the tables.

The electrolyte can be added separately to the composition or it can beincluded as part of one of the other raw materials. The electrolytepreferably includes an anion comprising phosphate, chloride, sulfate orcitrate and a cation comprising sodium, ammonium, potassium, magnesiumor mixtures thereof. Some preferred electrolytes are sodium or ammoniumchloride and sodium or ammonium sulfate.

The electrolyte should be present in an amount which facilitatesformation of the free flowing composition. This amount will typically befrom about 0.1% by weight to about 15% by weight, preferably from about1% to about 6% by weight, but may be varied if required.

Typically, the composition comprises about 3% by weight to about 30% byweight of active surfactants. Frequently, surfactants are sold assolutions in water or other solvents which dilute them to less than 100%active surfactant, therefore the “active surfactant” means actual amountof surfactant delivered to the free flowing composition from acommercial surfactant preparation.

In some embodiments it is desirable that at least one of the componentsof the composition, such as the anionic surfactant, has an aliphaticchain that has branching or unsaturation or a combination thereof.Branching or branched means that at least one carbon atom of thealiphatic chain is joined to three or four other carbon atoms.Unsaturation means that at least two carbon atoms of the aliphatic chainare joined by a double bond.

The composition also includes at least one alkanolamide having thegeneral structure of:

wherein R is C₈ to C₂₄, or preferably in some embodiments C₈ to C₂₂, orin other embodiments C₈ to C₁₈, saturated or unsaturated, straight chainor branched aliphatic groups, R₁ and R₂ are the same or different C₂-C₄straight chain or branched aliphatic groups, x=0 to 10, y=1 to 10,wherein the sum of x and y is less than or equal to 10.

That is, the alkanolamide preferably has a C₈ to C₂₄ aliphatic chain andthe alkanolamide may include one to two alkanol groups which may eitherhave a hydrocarbon backbone or an alkoxy backbone. The hydrocarbonalkanol groups may be C₂ to C₄ straight chain or branched aliphaticgroups. The amount of alkanolamide in the composition is about 0.1% toabout 10% by weight, and in some embodiments is preferably about 2% toabout 5% by weight. Some preferred alkanolamides include cocamide MEA(coco monoethanolamide) and cocamide MIPA (coco monoisopropanolamide).

The term “alkanolamide” is used collectively hereinafter to include longchain aliphatic acid alkanolamides, alkoxy long-chain aliphatic acidalkanolamides, and mixtures thereof. Further, long-chain aliphatic acidalkanolamides may also be referred to in the art as fatty acidalkanolamides. Alkoxylated is taken to mean an alkanolamide derivitizedwith (R₁O)_(x)H wherein R₁ is a C₂ to C₄ straight chain or branchedaliphatic group and x is 2 to 10. Examples of free flowing compositionformulas are provided in Table 1 below. One advantage of this inventionover the previously known formulations is that the composition formulasof the invention do not require a fatty acid structurant as astabilizer, which in turn may negatively impact the performance of theproducts.

Additional surfactants from the classes of nonionic surfactants,amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactants, and cationic surfactants mayoptionally be incorporated so as to form a free flowing composition thatis capable of suspending water-insoluble particles or partiallyinsoluble components.

Amphoteric and/or zwittcrionic surfactants that may be used in thisinvention preferably include at least one acid group, which may be acarboxylic or a sulphonic acid group. These surfactants includequaternary nitrogen and therefore are quaternary amido acids. Theygenerally include an alkyl or alkenyl group of 7 to 18 carbon atoms andusually comply with the overall structural formula:

where R₁ is alkyl or alkenyl of 7 to 18 carbon atoms; R₂ and R₃ are eachindependently hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or carboxyalkyl of 1 to 3carbon atoms; n is 2 to 4; m is 0 to 1; X is alkylene of 1 to 3 carbonatoms optionally substituted with hydroxyl; and Y is —CO₂—or —SO₃—.

Suitable amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactants within the abovegeneral formula include simple betaines of formula:

and amido betaines of formula:

where m is 2 or 3.

In both formulae (xi) and (xii), R₁, R₂ and R₃ are as defined previouslyin connection with formula (x). R₁ may in particular be a mixture of C₁₂and C₁₄ alkyl groups derived from coconut so that at least half,preferably at least three quarters, of the R₁ groups have 10 to 14carbon atoms. R₂ and R₃ are preferably methyl.

A further possibility is that the amphoteric and/or zwitterionicdetergent is a sulphobetaine of formula

where m is 2 or 3, or variants of these in which —(CH₂)₃SO₃ is replacedby

In these formulae (xiii), (xiv) and (xv), R₁, R₂ and R₃ are as definedpreviously in connection with formula (x).

Amphoacetates and diamphoacetates may also be used. Amphoacetatesgenerally conform to the following formula:

and diamphoacetates generally conform to the following formula:

where R is an aliphatic group of 8 to 18 carbon atoms and M is a cationsuch as sodium, potassium, ammonium, or substituted ammonium. Sodiumlauroamphoacetate, sodium cocoamphoactetate, disodium lauroamphoacetate,and disodium cocoamphodiacetate are preferred in some embodiments.

The surfactant system or composition may also optionally include anonionic surfactant. Nonionic surfactants which may be used include inparticular the reaction products of compounds having a hydrophobic groupand a reactive hydrogen atom, for example aliphatic alcohols, acids,amides and alkyl phenols, with alkylene oxides, especially ethyleneoxide either alone or in combination with propylene oxide. Specificnonionic surfactant compounds include alkyl (C₆-C₂₂) phenols-ethyleneoxide condensates, the condensation products of aliphatic (C₈-C₁₈)primary or secondary linear or branched alcohols with ethylene oxide,and products made by condensation of ethylene oxide with the reactionproducts of propylene oxide and ethylenediamine. Other so-callednonionic surfactant compounds include alkyl amine oxides, alkyl amidoamine oxides, alkyl tertiary phosphine oxides, dialkyl sulphoxides,aliphatic fatty acid esters of C₈-C₂₂ alcohols or ethoxylated alcohols,alkoxyl alkyl amines, sorbitan, sorbitan esters and sucrose esters.

The nonionic surfactant may also be a sugar amide, such as apolysaccharide amide. Specifically, the surfactant may be one of thelactobionamides described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,279 or one of the sugaramides described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,814, both of which areincorporated by reference herein to the extent that they are notinconsistent with this application.

Other surfactants which may be used are those described in U.S. Pat. No.3,723,325, and alkyl polysaccharide nonionic surfactants as disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 4,565,647, both of which are also incorporated byreference herein. Preferred alkyl polysaccharides arealkylpolyglycosides of the formula

R₂O(C_(n)H_(2n)O)_(t)(glycosyl)_(x)  (xvi)

wherein R₂ is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkylphenyl,hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyalkylphenyl, and mixtures thereof, in which thealkyl groups contain from about 10 to about 18, preferably from about 12to about 14 carbon atoms; n is from 0 to about 3, preferably 2; t isfrom 0 to about 10, preferably 0; and x is from about 1.3 to about 10,preferably from about 1.3 to about 2.7. The glycosyl is preferablyderived from glucose. To prepare these compounds, the alcohol oralkylpolyethoxy alcohol is formed first and then reacted with glucose,or a source of glucose, to form the glucoside (attachment at the1-position). The additional glycosyl units can then be attached betweentheir 1-position and the preceding glycosyl unit's 2-, 3-, 4- and/or6-position, preferably the 2-position.

In some embodiments, the preferred nonionic surfactants include alkoxyfatty acid alcohols or alkypolyglycosides. The amphoteric and/orzwitterionic surfactants preferred in some embodiments include betaines,sultaines, amphoacetates, diamphoacetates or mixtures thereof. The totalamount of active nonionic surfactants and amphoteric and/or zwitterionicsurfactants is typically about 1% to about 20% and preferably about 3%to about 10% by weight.

The total amount of all surfactants, e.g. anionic surfactants, nonionicsurfactants, amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactants, and cationicsurfactants taken together is typically about 8% to about 30% activesurfactant, and preferably about 10% to about 25% active surfactant byweight. In some embodiments it is preferable that at least one of thesurfactants has an aliphatic chain that has branching or unsaturation,or a combination thereof.

One embodiment of the invention relates to an aqueous free-flowingcomposition comprising (a) water, (b) at least one anionic surfactantincluding a hydrophobe comprised of linear or branched hydrophobicgroups, (c) at least one electrolyte (which can either be separatelyadded or included in one of the raw materials) and (d) at least onealkanolamide. The mixture may further comprise water-insoluble particlesor partially insoluble components, and/or one or more additionalsurfactants from the categories of anionic, nonionic, amphoteric,zwitterionic and cationic, or a combination of these.

Surfactants (defined herein as generally referring to surface activeagents, including all anionic, nonionic, amphoteric and/or zwitterionicand cationic surface active species and various mixtures thereof) areincluded in the composition in a combined amount such that thecomposition exhibits (i) non-Newtonian, shear thinning behavior, (ii) aviscosity equal to or greater than about 3,000 cps as measured at aspindle number 3, speed 6, with a Brookfield LVT viscometer at 25° C.for 30 seconds, and (iii) said viscosity is stable under freeze/thawconditions without requiring the addition of a separate freeze/thawstabilizer. Stable is defined herein as a % drop of no more than 40%,preferably no more than 35%, in viscosity measured after at least 1(one) freeze/thaw cycle, preferably at least 4 (four) freeze/thawcycles. As used herein, one freeze/thaw cycle is a 24 hour period with12 hours at −10° C. and 12 hours at 25° C. for the environmentimmediately surrounding the test sample. In some embodiments thecomposition may maintain water-insoluble particles or partiallyinsoluble components in suspension.

The compositions of this invention are intended to include allformulations comprised of the surfactant system as described herein, analkanolamide, an electrolyte, and water. These compositions have freeflowing properties capable of suspending a benefit agent(s) and are ableto maintain stability under freeze/thaw conditions.

In some embodiments of the present invention it is desirable to includewater-insoluble particles or partially insoluble components in the freeflowing composition. The terms “water-insoluble particles” and“partially insoluble components” mean solid or non-solid entities whichare not completely solubilized in the aqueous medium of the subjectcomposition and include either insoluble or partially soluble species.The terms “water-insoluble particles” and “partially insolublecomponents” are also understood to mean and encompass those situationswhere the solid or non-solid entities are present at concentrationsabove their solubility limit and therefore portions thereof remainundissolved. Typically, the water-insoluble particles or partiallyinsoluble components can be solid particles, liquid ingredients, gases,or mixtures thereof. Some preferred examples of gases include airbubbles. Solid particles could include, for example, solid particles ofzinc pyrethione, mica, alumina, silicon pigments, moisturizing beads,natural abrasives, synthetic abrasives (exfoliants) such aspolyoxyethylene beads, and apricot seeds. The water-insoluble particlestypically have an average particle size from about 0.5 to about 3,000microns in diameter. The ability to suspend water-insoluble particles orpartially soluble components is a desirable feature of the free-flowingnon-Newtonian shear thinning liquid composition of the presentinvention.

Other examples of components that may be suspended by the compositionsof the present invention are a number of benefit agents. A “benefitagent” means any active ingredient that is to be delivered into the skinor hair, or onto the skin or hair, or both, at a desired location. Thesuspended benefit agents may be present in an amount of from about 0 toabout 35% by weight of the composition.

More particularly, the suspended benefit agents may include: vegetableoils, including arachis oil, castor oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, cornoil, cotton seed oil, olive oil, palm kernel oil, rapeseed oil,safflower seed oil, sesame seed oil and soybean oil; esters, includingbutyl myristate, cetyl palmitate, decyloleate, glyceryl laurate,glyceryl ricinoleate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl isostearate, hexyllaurate, isobutyl palmitate, isocetyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate,isopropyl laurate, isopropyl linoleate, isopropyl myristate, isopropylpalmitate, isopropyl stearate, propylene glycol monolaurate, propyleneglycol ricinoleate, propylene glycol stearate, and propylene glycolisostearate; animal fats, including acetylated lanolin alcohols,lanolin, lard, mink oil and tallow; and fatty acids and alcohols,including behenic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenyl alcohol,cetyl alcohol, eicosanyl alcohol and isocetyl alcohol.

Other examples of suitable benefit agents include: depigmentationagents; reflectants; UV absorbers, thickening agents; detangling/wetcombing agents; film forming polymers; humectants; amino acids and theirderivatives; antimicrobial agents; anti-acne agents; anti-aging agents;antiseptics; analgesics; local anesthetics; anti-hair loss agents; hairgrowth inhibitor agents; inflammation inhibitors; proteins; deodorantsand anti-perspirants; agents for treatment of dandruff, seborreheicdermatitis and psoriasis; skin emollients and skin moisturizers; hairconditioners; hair softeners; hair moisturizers; vitamins; tanningagents; skin lightening agents; antifungals such as antifungals for footpreparations; depilating agents; counterirritants; hemorrhoidals;insecticides; pigments or opacifying agents, moisturizing beads, naturalabrasives, synthetic abrasives such as polyoxyethylene beads, mineraloils, petrolatum, silicone oils, polyalkylsiloxanes,polyalkyarylsiloxanes, sunscreens and the like; and mixtures thereof.

Examples of suitable reflectants include mica, alumina, calciumsilicate, glycol dioleate, glycol distearate, silica, sodium magnesiumfluorosilicate, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of suitable UV absorbers include benzophenone, bornelone, PABA(Para Amino Benzoic Acid), butyl PABA, cinnamidopropyl trimethylammonium chloride, disodium distyrylbiphenyl disulfonate, potassiummethoxycinnamate, and mixtures thereof.

Commercially available thickening agents capable of imparting theappropriate viscosity to the compositions are suitable for use in thisinvention. Examples of suitable thickening agents include: mono ordiesters of polyethylene glycol of the formula:

HO—(CH₂CH₂O)_(z)H  (xvii)

wherein z is an integer from about 3 to about 200; fatty acidscontaining from about 16 to about 22 carbon atoms; fatty acid esters ofalkoxy polyols; alkoxy derivatives of mono and diesters of fatty acidsand glycerine; hydroxyalkyl cellulose; alkyl cellulose; hydroxyalkylalkyl cellulose; and mixtures thereof. More specifically, suitablethickening agents nonexclusively include, for example, behenalkoniumchloride, cetyl alcohol, quaternium 46, PG-hydroxyethyl cellulose,cocodimonium chloride, polyquarternium 6, polyquarternium 7, quaternium18, PEG-18 glycerol oleate/cocoate, a mixture of acrylates/spirit 50acrylate copolymer, laureth 3 and propylene glycol, a mixture ofcocamidopropylbetaine and glyceryl laurate, a mixture of propyleneglycol, PEG 55, and propylene glycol oleate, and mixtures thereof.Preferred thickeners include polyethylene glycol ester, and morepreferably PEG-150 distearate.

Suitable detangling/wet combing agents include dioleoylamidoethylhydroxythylmonium methosulfate, di(soyoylethyl)hydroxyethylmoniummethosulfate, hydroxyethyl behenamidopropyl dimonium chloride,olealkonium chloride, polyquarternium 47, stearalkonium chloride,tricetylmonium chloride, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride,hydroxypropyl guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride and mixtures thereof.

Suitable film forming polymers include those that, upon drying, producea substantially continuous coating or film on the hair, skin, or nails.Examples of suitable film forming polymers include acrylamidopropyltrimonium chloride/acrylamide copolymer; corn starch/acrylamide/sodiumacrylate copolymer; polyquarternium 10; polyquarternium 47;polyvinylmethyl/maleic anhydride copolymer; styrene/acrylatescopolymers; and mixtures thereof.

Commercially available humectants which are capable of providingmoisturization and conditioning properties to the composition aresuitable for use in the present invention. The humectant is preferablypresent in an amount of from about 0 percent to about 10 percent, morepreferably from about 0.5 percent to about 5 percent, and mostpreferably from about 0.5 percent to about 3 percent, based on theoverall weight of the composition. Examples of suitable humectantsinclude: water soluble liquid polyols such as glycerine, propyleneglycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, dipropyleneglycol, and mixtures thereof; polyalkylene glycols of the formula:

HO—(R″O)_(b)—H  (xviii)

wherein R″ is an alkylene group having from about 2 to about 4 carbonatoms and b is an integer of from about 1 to about 10 (such as PEG 4);polyethylene glycol ethers of methyl glucose having the formula:

CH₃—C₆H₁₀O₅—(OCH₂CH₂)_(c)—OH  (xix)

wherein c is an integer from about 5 to about 25; urea; fructose;glucose; honey; lactic acid; maltose; sodium glucuronate; and mixturesthereof. In a more preferred embodiment, the humectant is glycerine.

Suitable amino acids which may be beneficial to hair and skin and insome cases can be included as conditioning agents in the compositions ofthe present invention include amino acids derived from the hydrolysis ofvarious proteins as well as the salts, esters, and acyl derivativesthereof. Examples of such amino acids nonexclusively include amphotericand/or zwitterionic amino acids such as alkylamido alkylamines; stearylacetyl glutamate; capryloyl silk amino acids; capryloyl collagen aminoacids; capryloyl keratin amino acids; capryloyl pea amino acids;cocodimonium hydroxypropyl silk amino acids; corn gluten amino acids;cysteine; hair keratin amino acids; hair amino acids such as asparticacid, threonine, serine, glutamic acid, proline, glycine, alanine,half-cystine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine,phenylalanine, cysteic acid, lysine, histidine, arginine, cysteine,tryptophan, citrulline; other silk amino acids and wheat amino acids;and mixtures thereof.

Suitable proteins which may be beneficial to hair and skin and in somecases can be included as conditioning agents include those polymers thathave a long chain, i.e. at least about 10 carbon atoms, and a highmolecular weight, i.e. at least about 1000, and are formed byself-condensation of amino acids. Examples of such proteins includecollagen, deoxyribonuclease, iodized corn protein, keratin, milkprotein, protease, serum protein, silk, sweet almond protein, wheat germprotein, wheat protein, alpha and beta helix of keratin proteins, hairproteins such as intermediate filament proteins, high-sulfur proteins,ultrahigh-sulfur proteins, intermediate filament-associated proteins,high-tyrosine proteins, high-glycine tyrosine proteins, tricohyalin, andmixtures thereof.

Examples of suitable vitamins which may be beneficial to hair and skinand in some cases can be included as conditioning agents include vitaminB complex, including thiamine, nicotinic acid, biotin, pantothenic acid,choline, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, pyridoxine, inositol,carnitine; vitamins A,C,D,E,K and their derivatives, such as vitamin Apalmitate; and pro-vitamins, e.g., panthenol (pro vitamin B5), panthenoltriacetate and mixtures thereof.

Examples of suitable antibacterial agents for hair and skin careapplications include bacitracin, erythromycin, triclosan, neomycin,tetracycline, chlortetracycline, benzethonium chloride, phenol,parachlorometa xylenol (PCMX), triclocarban (TCC), chlorhexidinegluconate (CHG), zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide and mixtures thereof.

Examples of suitable skin emollients and skin moisturizers includevegetable oils such as arachis oil, castor oil, cocoa butter, coconutoil, corn oil, cotton seed oil, olive oil, palm kernel oil, rapeseedoil, safflower seed oil, sesame seed oil and soybean oil; esters such asbutyl myristate, cetyl palmitate, decyloleate, glyceryl laurate,glyceryl ricinoleate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl isostearate, hexyllaurate, isobutyl palmitate, isocetyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate,isopropyl laurate, isopropyl linoleate, isopropyl myristate, isopropylpalmitate, isopropyl stearate, propylene glycol monolaurate, propyleneglycol ricinoleate, propylene glycol stearate, and propylene glycolisostearate; animal fats such as acetylated lanolin alcohols, lanolin,lard, mink oil and tallow; fatty acids and alcohols of behenic acid,palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, eicosanylalcohol and isocetyl alcohol.

Additional skin treatment agents and skin conditioning agents includesalicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, vitamins, vitamin complexes,abrasives, silicones, silicone derivatives, polymers, natural oils,synthetic oils, mineral oils, lanolin, vegetable oils, isostearylisostearate, glyceryl laurate, methyl gluceth 10, methyl gluceth 20,chitosan, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of suitable hair conditioners include silicones, siliconederivatives, natural oils, synthetic oils, nonionic surfactants,cationic surfactants, waxes, and polymers. Quaternized compounds such asbehenamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride, tricetylammonium chloride,dihydrogenated tallowamidoethyl hydroxyethylmonium methosulfate, andmixtures thereof, as well as lipophilic compounds like cetyl alcohol,stearyl alcohol, hydrogenated polydecene, and mixtures thereof, may alsobe used.

Examples of suitable hair conditioning polymers include natural and/orsynthetic cationic polymers, e.g. quaternized guar, quaternizedcellulose, polyquarternium-7 and similar polymers typically atconcentrations from about 0.1% to about 3.0% by weight of saidcomposition; natural and/or synthetic nonionic polymers such as alkoxyor propoxylated guar or cellulose, alkyl guar or cellulose, polyethyleneglycol, or a mixture of natural and synthetic nonionic polymerstypically at concentrations from about 0.1% to about 3.0% by weight ofsaid composition; and polyhydrol moisturizing agents, e.g. glycerine,propylene glycol, sorbitol and similar polymers. Preferableconcentrations of polyhydrol moisturizing agents are typically in therange of about 0.2% to about 0.5% by weight of the composition.

Examples of suitable hair softeners include silicone compounds, such asthose that are either non-volatile or volatile, or mixtures thereof, andthose that are water soluble or water insoluble, or mixtures thereof.Examples of suitable silicones include organo-substituted polysiloxanes,which are either linear or cyclic polymers of silicone/oxygen monomersand which include cetyl dimethicone, cetyl triethylammonium dimethiconecopolyol phthalate, cyclomethicone, dimethicone copolyol, dimethiconecopolyol lactate, hydrolyzed soy protein/dimethicone copolyol acetate,silicone quaternium 13, stearalkonium dimethicone copolyol phthalate,stearamidopropyl dimethicone, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of suitable hair moisturizers include panthenyl ethyl ether,phytantriol, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of sunscreen agents include butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane,octyl methoxycinnamate, oxybenzone, octocrylene, octyl salicylate,phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, ethyl hydroxypropyl aminobenzoate,menthyl anthranilate, aminobenzoic acid, cinoxate, diethanolaminemethoxycinnamate, glyceryl aminobenzoate, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide,oxybenzone, octyl dimethyl PABA (padimate O), red petrolatum, andmixtures thereof.

An example of a suitable tanning agent includes dihydroxyacetone.

Examples of skin lightening agents include hydroquinone, catechol andits derivatives, ascorbic acid and its derivatives, and mixturesthereof.

Examples of suitable insecticides, including insect repellents,anti-scabies and anti-lice treatments, are permethrin; pyrethrin;piperonyl butoxide; imidacloprid; N,N-diethyl toluamide, which refers tothe material containing predominantly the meta isomer, i.e.,N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, which is also known as DEET; compounds of theformula:

wherein R₅ is a branched or unbranched alkyl group having from about 1to about 6 carbon atoms, R₆ is H, methyl or ethyl, R₇ is a branched orunbranched alkyl or alkoxy group having from about 1 to about 8 carbonatoms, and K is a —CN or a —COOR₈ group, wherein R₈ is a branched orunbranched alkyl group having from about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms;natural or synthetic pyrethroids, whereby the natural pyrethroids arecontained in pyrethrum; the extract of the ground flowers ofChrysanthemum cinerariaefolium or Chrysanthenum coccineum; and mixturesthereof. Within the structure of Formula (xx) are ethyl3-(N-butylacetamido) propionate, wherein R₇ is a CH₃ group, R₅ is ann-butyl group, R₆ is H, K is COOR₈ and R₈ is ethyl.

An example of an antifungal for foot preparations includes tolnaftate.

Examples of suitable depilating agents include calcium thioglycolate,magnesium thioglycolate, potassium thioglycolate, strontiumthioglycolate, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of suitable external analgesics and local anesthetics includebenzocaine, dibucaine, benzyl alcohol, camphor, capsaicin, capsicum,capsicum oleoresin, juniper tar, menthol, methyl nicotinate, methylsalicylate, phenol, resorcinol, turpentine oil, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of suitable antiperspirants and deodorants include aluminumchlorohydrates, aluminum zirconium chlorohydrates, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of suitable counterirritants include camphor, menthol, methylsalicylate, peppermint oils, clove oils, ichtammol, and mixturesthereof.

An example of a suitable inflammation inhibitor is hydrocortisone.

Examples of suitable hemorrhoidal products include anesthetics such asbenzocaine, pramoxine hydrochloride, and mixtures thereof; antisepticssuch as benzethonium chloride; astringents such as zinc oxide, bismuthsubgallate, balsam Peru, and mixtures thereof; skin protectants such ascod liver oil, vegetable oil, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of suitable benefit agents having therapeutic components thatare effective in the treatment of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, andpsoriasis, as well as the symptoms associated therewith, include zincpyrithione; shale oil and derivatives thereof such as sulfonated shaleoil; selenium sulfide; sulfur; salicylic acid; coal tar;povidone-iodine; imidazoles such as ketoconazole, dichlorophenylimidazolodioxalan, clotrimazole, itraconazole, miconazole, climbazole,tioconazole, sulconazole, butoconazole, fluconazole; miconazolenitriteand any possible stereo isomers and derivatives thereof such asanthralin; piroctone olamine (Octopirox); selenium sulfide; ciclopiroxolamine; anti-psoriasis agents such as vitamin D analogs, e.g.calcipotriol, calcitriol, and tacaleitrol; vitamin A analogs such asesters of vitamin A including vitamin A palmitate, retinoids, retinols,and retinoic acid; corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone, clobetasone,butyrate, clobetasol propionate; and mixtures thereof.

Some preferred benefit agents for treatment of dandruff, seborrheicdermatitis, and psoriasis, as well as the symptoms associated therewith,include sulfonated shale oil, elubiol,6-(1-piperidinyl)-2-4-pyrimidinediamine-3-oxide, finasteride,ketoconazole, salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, benzoylperoxide, selenium sulfide, hydrocortisone, sulfur, menthol, praxominehydrochloride, tricetylammonium chloride, polyquarternium 10, panthenol,panthenol triacetate, vitamin A and derivatives thereof, vitamin B andderivatives thereof, vitamin C and derivatives thereof, vitamin D andderivatives thereof, vitamin E and derivatives thereof, vitamin K andderivatives thereof, keratin, lysine, arginine, hydrolzed wheatproteins, hydrolyzed silk proteins, octyl methoxycinnamate, oxybenzone,minoxidil, titanium dioxide, zinc dioxide, retinal, erythromycin,tretinoin, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of benefit agents suitable for treating hair loss include, butare not limited to, potassium channel openers or peripheral vasodilatorssuch as minoxidil, diazoxide, and compounds such asN″-cyano-N-(tert-pentyl)-N′-3-pyridinyl-guanidine (“P-1075”) asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,664, which is incorporated by referenceherein; vitamins, such as vitamin E and vitamin C, and derivativesthereof such as vitamin E acetate and vitamin C palmitate; hormones suchas erythropoietin; prostaglandins, such as prostaglandin EI andprostaglandin F2-alpha; fatty acids such as oleic acid; diuretics suchas spironolactone; heat shock proteins (“HSP”), such as HSP 27 and HSP72; calcium channel blockers, such as verapamil HCL, nifedipine, anddiltiazemamiloride; immunosuppressant drugs, such as cyclosporin andFk-506; 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors such as finasteride; growth factorssuch as EGF, IGF and FGF; transforming growth factor beta; tumornecrosis factor; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such asbenoxaprofen; retinoids and derivatives thereof such as tretinoin;cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-1 alpha, and IL-1 beta; cell adhesionmolecules such as ICAM; glucocorticoids such as betamethasone; botanicalextracts such as aloe, clove, ginseng, rehmannia, swertia, sweet orange,zanthoxylum, Serenoa repens (saw palmetto), Hypoxis rooperi, stingingnettle, pumpkin seeds, and rye pollen; other botanical extractsincluding sandalwood, red beet root, chrysanthemum, rosemary, burdockroot and other hair growth promoter activators as disclosed in DE4330597, which is incorporated by reference herein to the extent that itis not inconsistent with the present application; homeopathic agentssuch as Kalium Phosphoricum D2, Azadirachta indica D2, and Joborandi D1;genes for cytokines, growth factors, and male-pattern baldness;antifungals such as ketoconazole and elubiol; antibiotics such asstreptomycin; protein inhibitors such as cycloheximide; acetazolamide;benoxaprofen; cortisone; diltiazem; hexachlorobenzene; hydantoin;nifedipine; penicillamine; phenothiazines; pinacidil; psoralens;verapamil; zidovudine; alpha-glucosylated rutin having at least onerutin selected from quercetin, isoquercitrin, hesperidin, naringin, andmethylhesperidin; and flavonoids and transglycosidated derivativesthereof which are all disclosed in JP 7002677, which is incorporated byreference herein to the extent that it is not inconsistent with thepresent application; and mixtures thereof.

Examples of benefit agents suitable for use in inhibiting hair growthinclude serine proteases such as trypsin; vitamins such asalpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and derivatives thereof such as tocopherolacetate and tocopherol palmitate; antineoplastic agents, such asdoxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, chlormethine, methotrexate, fluorouracil,vincristine, daunorubicin, bleomycin and hydroxycarbamide;anticoagulants, such as heparin, heparinoids, coumaerins, detran andindandiones; antithyroid drugs, such as iodine, thiouracils andcarbimazole; lithium and lithium carbonate; interferons, such asinterferon alpha, interferon alpha-2a and interferon alpha-2b;retinoids, such as retinol (vitamin A), isotretinoin; glucocorticoidssuch as betamethasone, and dexamethasone; antihyperlipidaemic drugs,such as triparanol and clofibrate; thallium; mercury; albendazole;allopurinol; amiodarone; amphetamines; androgens; bromocriptine;butyrophenones; carbamazepine; cholestyramine; cimetidine; clofibrate;danazol; desipramine; dixyrazine; ethambutol; etionamide; fluoxetine;gentamicin; gold salts; hydantoins; ibuprofen; imipramine;immunoglobulins; indandiones; indomethacin; intraconazole; levadopa;maprotiline; methysergide; metoprolol; metyrapone; nadolol; nicotinicacid; potassium thiocyanate; propranolol; pyridostimine; salicylates;sulfasalazine; terfenadine; thiamphenicol; thiouracils; trimethadione;troparanol; valproic acid; and mixtures thereof.

Examples of suitable anti-aging agents include inorganic sunscreens suchas titanium dioxide and zinc oxide; organic sunscreens such asoctyl-methyl cinnamates and derivatives thereof; retinoids; vitaminssuch as vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B, and derivativesthereof such as vitamin E acetate, vitamin C palmitate, and the like;antioxidants including beta carotene, alpha hydroxy acid such asglycolic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, mandelic acid,ascorbic acid, alpha-hydroxybutyric acid, alpha-hydroxyisobutyric acid,alpha-hydroxyisocaproic acid, atrolactic acid, alpha-hydroxyisovalericacid, ethyl pyruvate, galacturonic acid, glucoheptonic acid,glucopheptono 1,4-lactone, gluconic acid, gluconolactone, glucuronicacid, glucuronolactone, glycolic acid, isopropyl pyruvate, methylpyruvate, mucic acid, pyruvic acid, saccharic acid, saccharic acid1,4-lactone, tartaric acid, and tartronic acid; beta hydroxy acids suchas beta-hydroxybutyric acid, beta-phenyl-lactic acid, beta-phenylpyruvicacid; botanical extracts such as green tea, soy, milk thistle, algae,aloe, angelica, bitter orange, coffee, goldthread, grapefruit, hoellen,honeysuckle, Job's tears, lithospermum, mulberry, peony, puerarua, rice,safflower, and mixtures thereof.

Some preferred anti-aging agents comprise retinoids including retinaland tretinoin, anti-oxidants, alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxyacids.

Examples of suitable anti-acne agents include, but are not limited to,topical retinoids including tretinoin, isotretinoin, motretinide,adapalene, tazarotene, azelaic acid, retinol; salicylic acid; benzoylperoxide; resorcinol; antibiotics such as tetracycline and isomersthereof, erythromycin; anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen,naproxen, hetprofen; botanical extracts such as alnus, arnica, artemisiacapillaris, asiasarum root, birth or afterbirth, calendula, chamomile,cnidium, comfrey, fennel, galla rhois, hawthron, houttuynia, hypericum,jujube, kiwi, licorice, magnolia, olive, peppermint, philodendron,salvia, sasa albomarginata; imidazoles such as ketoconazole and elubiol;those anti-acne agents described in Gollnick, H. et al. 196(I)Dermatology Sebaceous Glands, Acne and Related Disorders, 119-157(1998), which is incorporated by reference herein to the extent that itis not inconsistent with the present application; and mixtures thereof.

Examples of suitable depigmentation agents include retinoids such asretinol; kojic acid and its derivatives such as, for example, kojicdipalmitate; hydroquinone and its derivatives such as arbutin;transexamic acid; vitamins such as niacin, vitamin C and itsderivatives; azelaic acid; placertia; licorice; extracts such aschamomile and green tea; and mixtures thereof. Retinol, kojic acid, andhydroquinone are preferred.

Other examples of benefit agents include allergy inhibitors,anti-wrinkling agents, anti-pruritics, antitussives, hair growthpromoting agents, antihistamines, anticholinergics, anti-emetics,antiinfectives, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, wound healing promoters,peptides, polypeptides, medicament agents, shaving preparations, poisonivy products, poison oak products, burn products, anti-diaper rashagents, prickly heat agents, herbal extracts, retinal, flavoidcs,sensates, skin conditioners, hair lighteners, cell turnover enhancersand the like, and mixtures thereof.

Other components that may be added to the compositions include typicalcomponents added to personal care products, all of which are useful inenhancing the appearance or cosmetic properties of the product. Thesemay include, for example, auxiliary thickeners such ascarboxymethylcellulose, magnesium aluminum silicate,hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, carbopols, glucamides;sequestering agents such as tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate(Na₄-EDTA), EHDP or mixtures thereof, which can be present in varyingamounts including amounts ranging from about 0.01 to about 5%,preferably about 0.01% to about 3%; and coloring agents, pigments,perfumes, opacifiers and pearlizers such as zinc stearate, magnesiumstearate, TiO₂, EGMS (ethylene glycol monostearate) and Lytron 621(Styrene/Acrylate copolymer).

Inclusion of antimicrobials may be used advantageously in someembodiments. Such antimicrobials include, for example,2-hydroxy-4,2′4′trichlorodiphenylether (DP300); preservatives such asdimethyloldimethylhydantoin (Glydant XL1000), parabens, sorbic acid,etc.; antioxidants such as, for example, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT),and mixtures thereof.

The compositions of the invention may be made by any suitable method forforming a free flowing composition. The amounts of electrolyte,surfactant, and alkanolamide may be variously adjusted to create abalance that yields the free flowing non-Newtonian shear thinningcomposition of the present invention.

The free-flowing non-Newtonian shear thinning compositions of thepresent invention may, in some embodiments, function as a deliverysystem. The amount of benefit agent to be combined with the compositionof the invention may vary depending upon, for example, the resultingbenefit desired and the sensitivity of the user to the benefit agent.Unless otherwise specified, typically the benefit agent is present in apersonal care product in an amount, based upon the total weight of thefree-flowing non-Newtonian shear thinning composition, from about 0.001%to about 20%. In a preferred embodiment, the benefit agent is present inan amount ranging from about 0.001% to about 10% of the composition,with a range from about 0.001% to about 5% being most preferred. Whileit is expected that one or more benefit agents may be used in acomposition, the choice of benefit agent(s) to include will depend uponthe intended end use of the composition and the mutual compatibility ofthe benefit agents selected.

The compositions of the invention may also be used to prepare shampoosand conditioners, skin cleansing preparations, compositions fordelivering cosmetic preparations or topical therapeutic agents, and thelike.

The compositions of the invention may be used to suspend agents usefulin skin and hair care treatments including, but not limited to, UVabsorbers, hair conditioning agents, hair and skin conditioning agentsfor use in child care formulations including tear free shampoos and babybaths, skin conditioning agents, anti-bacterial agents, styling polymersfor hair and skin care formulations (including rinse off applicationssuch as shampoos), conditioning polymers for hair and skin careformulations, precipitated conditioning polymers for enhanced activedelivery to hair and skin, conditioning polymers possessing highmolecular weights and/or cationic charge densities for hair and skincare formulations, surfactants usually associated with solidformulations (such as cocoyl isethionates), and swellable polymers whichhydrate only on application. The compositions of the invention may alsobe used in the preparation of stable, multi-phase personal careformulations, including those with colored stripes found in body washes,hair shampoos, skin cleansers, child care formulations including tearfree shampoos, children's conditioning shampoos and baby baths, facialwashes, and skin treatments.

In embodiments wherein the composition of the invention containing abenefit agent is used as a shampoo, the shampoo is applied to wet hair,then the hair is washed in accordance with known practices. Morepreferably, the composition remains on the hair from about 0 to about 10minutes, and preferably from about 1 to about 5 minutes before rinsing.

The following nonlimiting examples are illustrative of the broad rangeof free-flowing non-Newtonian shear thinning compositions that may beprepared and used in accordance with the present invention.

Example 1 Exemplary Compositions

Table 1 provides seven illustrative examples of compositions of thepresent invention (#1-7) having non-Newtonian shear thinning behaviors.It should be noted that the percentages given without parentheses areamounts of commercial material added and the values in parentheses arethe amounts of active ingredient added.

The compositions of Table 1 include illustrative examples in which oil,emollient or appearance modifiers have been included. These examples areprovided as representative examples and are not intended to limit theinclusion of a particular additive to a particular composition nor toimply that only a single additive may be included. Indeed, inclusion ofmultiple kinds of water insoluble materials, particles, benefit agents,other optional ingredients, or mixtures thereof may be desirable in someembodiments.

TABLE I 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Empicol ESB-70 70% Active 8.15 (Rhodia) SodiumLaureth (5.70)⁽¹⁾ Sulfate Rhodapex EST- 30% Active 48.50 48.50 47.4 53.253.2 30 Sodium Trideceth (14.55) (14.55) (Rhodia) Sulfate Empicol BSD-5252% Active 28.30 (Albright & Sodium/ (14.72) Wilson) Magnesium LaurethSulfate Empilan CIS Cocamide MIPA 2.60 3.00 3.90 — — — (Albright &Wilson) Alkamide C-4 PEG-5 Cocamide 2.9 — — (Rhodia) Alkamide C-212Cocamide MEA 3.00 — 5.0 5.0 (Rhodia) Miranol Ultra L- 32% Active 15.0015.00 14.5 — — 32 Sodium (4.8) (4.8) (Rhodia) Lauroamphoacetate Water24.9 36.5 36.5 Empigen BB Lauryl Betaine 0.70 13.00 (Albright & (0.21)(3.9) Wilson) Laureth-2 1.50 3.00 Glycerine 1.00 Jaguar C-17 Guar 0.500.50 (Rhodia) Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride Sodium Chloride 12.40 3.003.00 16.20 8.6 5.0 5.0 (12.00) (15.55) Citric Acid (to pH Q.S. Q.S.4.0-6.5) Citric Acid, 50% 1.7 0.3 0.3 Sunflower Oil 6.67 Petrolatum 3.33Silbione 3.00 47V60,000 TiO₂ 0.50 Mica 1.00 Lipo Pearl Vera & Mineral1.00 Oil Appearance Opaque White White Opaque Liquid Lotion LotionLiquid Sample 24° C. 23° C. 23° C. Temperature for Viscosity InitialViscosity 7.7 152 120 16.7 8.5 10.7 10.3 (×1000) cPs Viscosity after 48.5 days F/T (×1000) cPs Viscosity after 5 9.6 9.7 days F/T (×1000) cPsViscosity After 7.8 160 119 16.6 F/T Cycle (×1000) cPs ⁽¹⁾values givenin parentheses are amounts of active ingredient

Example 2 Formulations and Testing of Alkoxy Alkanolamide Compositions

Alkoxy Alkanolamide (PEG-5 Cocamide, Alkamide® C-4) was used to create astructured liquid formulation with sodium trideceth sulfate, sodiumlauroamphoacetate, and sodium chloride. The base formulation of thiscomposition is provided in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Component wt (g) w/w % % Act Rhodapex EST30 686 50.81 15.0Miranol Ultra L-32 210 15.56 4.9 Alkamide C-4 (PEG-5 42 3.11 3.1cocamide) Water 360.8 26.73 50% Citric Acid 24.2 1.79 Sodium Chloride 272.00 1350 g 100.00% 23.0 pH = 6.08

A series of samples with various salt concentrations relative to theamount of base formulation of Table 2 were prepared and tested. Thecompositions of the tested samples are provided below in Table 3.

TABLE 3 % % Miranol % % % Rhodapex Ultra Alkamide NaCl water/ SampleEST30 L-32 C-4 added inerts 8-1 50.8 15.6 3.1 2.0 28.5 8-2 50.3 15.4 3.13.0 28.2 8-3 49.8 15.2 3.0 4.0 28.0 8-4 49.3 15.1 3.0 4.9 27.7 8-5 48.814.9 3.0 5.9 27.4 8-6 48.3 14.9 3.0 6.8 27.1 8-7 47.8 14.6 2.9 7.7 26.98-8 47.4 14.5 2.9 8.6 26.6 8-9 46.9 14.4 2.9 9.5 26.3

Viscosities were measured for each of these exemplary compositionsbefore and after 4 days of freeze/thaw. The viscosity was measured atLVT#3, 25° C., 6 RPM, 0.5 min. Appearance was determined visually byobserving the presence of air bubbles and sustaining the air bubbles inthe suspended state before and after the freeze/thaw cycle. Only samplesthat were one phase in the initial centrifuge test were measured. Theresults, set forth below in Table 4, indicate that adding at least 8.5%NaCl to the composition provided a stable formulation. As used herein,“structure” or “structured” means a system that appears shear thinning.

TABLE 4 Viscosity Viscosity Appearance Sample Before F/T After F/TStructured? 8-4  4,680 — No 8-5  7,760 — No 8-6 11,500 4,600 Yes 8-713,000 7,900 Yes 8-8  8,540 8,500 Yes 8-9  8,440 8,860 Yes

Example 3 Formulations without Amphoteric and/or Zwitterionic Surfactant

Compositions containing sodium trideceth sulfate, sodium chloride, andeither cocamide MEA or cocamide MIPA were tested for visual structuredappearance and freeze/thaw viscosity loss. An amphoteric surfactant wasnot used in these formulations. The exemplary base formulations used forthese compositions are provided in Tables 5 and 6 below.

TABLE 5 Base Formulation 9-1 Cocamide MIPA (Empilan CIS) Component wt(g) w/w % % Act Rhodapex EST30 278.7 54.63 16.1 Empilan CIS 26 5.10 5.1Water 191.3 37.49 50% Citric Acid 1.70 0.33 Sodium Chloride 12.5 2.45510.2 g 100.00% 21.2 pH—5.4

TABLE 6 Base Formulation 9-2 Cocamide MEA (Alkamide C-212) Component wt(g) w/w % % Act Rhodapex EST30 278.7 54.63 16.1 Alkamide C-212 26 5.105.1 Water 191.3 37.50 50% Citric Acid 1.64 0.32 Sodium Chloride 12.52.45 510.14 g 100.00% 21.2 pH = 5.6

A series of samples based upon each of the base formulations describedabove in Tables 5 and 6, respectively, were prepared with various saltconcentrations relative to the amount of base formulation. Exemplarycompositions were prepared, the formulations of which are shown inTables 7 and 8 below.

TABLE 7 % Rhodapex % Empilan % % Sample EST30 CIS NaCl addedwater/inerts 9-1-1 54.6 5.1 2.5 37.8 9-1-2 53.8 5.0 4.0 37.2 9-1-3 53.25.0 5.0 36.8 9-1-4 52.7 4.9 5.9 36.5 9-1-5 52.1 4.9 6.9 36.1 9-1-6 51.64.8 7.8 35.8

TABLE 8 % Rhodapex % Alkamide % % Sample EST30 C-212 NaCl addedwater/inerts 9-2-1 54.6 5.1 2.5 37.8 9-2-2 53.8 5 4 37.2 9-2-3 53.2 5 536.8 9-2-4 52.7 4.9 5.9 36.5 9-2-5 52.1 4.9 6.9 36.1 9-2-6 51.6 4.8 7.835.8

The viscosity of these compositions before and after 5 days offreeze/thaw was measured in accordance with the procedures describedabove in Example 2. The results are set forth below in Table 9. As Table9 shows, freeze/thaw viscosities and appearance data for thecompositions of Tables 7 and 8 indicate that, for these compositions, astable composition could be obtained with the addition of 5% or greatersodium chloride.

TABLE 9 Initial Appearance Sample Initial appearance Viscosity F/TViscosity Structured? 9-1-1 25% clear — — — 9-1-2 1-phase 11,800  1,540No 9-1-3 1-phase 10,280  9,700 Yes 9-1-4 1-phase  9,660 11,300 Yes 9-1-51-phase  9,480 11,760 Yes 9-1-6 1-phase  6,000  9,200 Yes 9-2-1 15%clear — — — 9-2-2 1-phase 13,360  3,000 No 9-2-3 1-phase 10,720  9,600Yes 9-2-4 1-phase  9,460 11,900 Yes 9-2-5 1-phase  8,000 12,200 Yes9-2-6 1-phase  2,300 10,400 Yes

Example 4 Formulations and Testing of Increasing Levels of Alkanolamide

Alkamide® C-212 (cocamide MEA) was used to create a structured liquidcomposition with sodium trideceth sulfate, sodium lauroamphoacetate, andsodium chloride. The formulations of exemplary compositions are providedin Table 10 below.

TABLE 10 % % % Miranol Rhodapex Alkamide Ultra % pH after Sample EST30C-212 L-32 NaCl % water citric acid 10-1 47.6 0 14.7 2.0 35.7 5.8 10-247.6 1.0 14.7 2.0 33.8 5.8 10-3 47.6 2.0 14.7 2.0 32.8 5.88 10-4 47.62.9 14.7 2.0 31.8 5.82 10-5 47.6 3.9 14.7 2.0 30.8 5.75 10-6 47.6 4.914.7 2.0 29.9 5.9 10-7 47.6 5.9 14.7 2.0 28.9 5.86The viscosity was measured before and after one day of freeze/thaw inaccordance with the procedures set forth in Example 2 and the resultsare summarized below in Table 11. As Table 11 shows, freeze/thawviscosities (1 day) and appearance data for the compositions of Table 10indicate that, for the examples tested, a stable composition could beobtained with 3% or greater added cocamide MEA.

TABLE 11 Viscosity Viscosity Sample Before F/T After F/T Appearance 10-1  800   400 75% hazy 10-2  3,400  3,600 Hazy 10-3  3,800  4,100 Hazy10-4  5,900  6,400 Incr. Opacity 10-5  7,500  7,100 Incr. Opacity 10-6 8,700  9,000 Incr. Opacity 10-7 11,000 11,500 Incr. Opacity

Example 5 Preparation of Compositions

Methods for the preparation of compositions having non-Newtonian shearthinning behavior may be varied according to the physical features of aparticular composition.

An exemplary method for preparing lower viscosity systems incorporatingsolid agents such as compositions 1 and 4 of Table 1 is as follows: allof the surface active agents (i.e. surfactants), including thealkanolamide, were added to the water with moderate agitation whilestirring. When solid surfactants were used, the mixtures were heated toa minimum of about 5-10° C. above the melting temperature of the solidsurfactant. The mixtures were stirred until they become homogenous and,when heating was used, stirring was continued until the mixture cooledto ambient temperature. The pH was then adjusted to about 5.5 to 6.5 andthe electrolyte and solid benefit agent were added with stirring todisperse.

An exemplary method for incorporating emollients into higher viscositysystems such as compositions 2 and 3 of the table set forth in Table 1is as follows. Cationic polymer was first added to water. This wasaccomplished either by pre-solubilization of the cationic polymer inglycerine or adding the cationic polymer directly to the water andadjusting the pH to 4-5. Anionic surfactants, and any co-surfactants oringredients (other than any amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactantsand alkanolamides) were added and the mixture was heated to about 65-80°C., e.g. a temperature greater than the melting point of thealkanolamide used. The alkanolamide was then added and the compositionwas mixed at a mixing speed of 200-400 RPM, utilizing an overheadmechanical stirrer with a stir shaft that includes (2) two impellerseach with four pitched blades, the point of each blade being morestrongly pitched than the center portion and the point of each bladealternating in an up and down pattern. A temperature at a minimum of5-10° C. above the melting point of the alkanolamide was maintaineduntil the system was homogeneous. The emollient was heated to about60-65° C. and added to the surfactant mixture once the surfactantmixture reached approximately the same temperature, i.e., about 60-65°C. The mixture was then cooled to 30-35° C. and the amphoteric and/orzwitterionic surfactant, if used, was added at the beginning of thiscooling process. When a temperature of 30-35° C. was reached, the pH wasadjusted with citric acid, and heat sensitive additives such as color,fragrance, and preservatives, for example, as well as the electrolyte,were added. Mixing was continued for a minimum of 1-2 hours after theaddition of electrolyte. A total 500 g to 1000 g was made per batch.

Those persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the presentinvention is susceptible to a broad utility and application. Manyembodiments and adaptations of the invention, including various methodsfor preparing the composition of the present invention other than thoseherein described, as well as many variations and modifications, will beapparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and theforegoing description thereof, without departing from the substance orscope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present inventionhas been described herein in detail in exemplary embodiments, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary ofthe present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing afull and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing is notintended or to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwiseto exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations,modifications, the present invention being limited only by the claimsappended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

1-52. (canceled)
 53. A composition comprising: (a) an anionic surfactantor a mixture of anionic surfactants, wherein the anionic surfactant orat least one anionic surfactant of the mixture comprises sodiumtrideceth sulfate, (b) at least one alkanolamide, (c) at least oneelectrolyte, (d) at least one benefit agent, and (e) water, wherein thecomposition possesses non-Newtonian shear thinning properties and astable viscosity under at least one freeze/thaw cycle and is capable ofsuspending water-insoluble particles or partially insoluble components;and further wherein the initial viscosity of the composition is equal toor greater than 3,000 cps.
 54. The composition of claim 53, wherein thecomposition comprises, based on the weight of the composition: fromabout 5% to about 30% of the anionic surfactant or a mixture of anionicsurfactants, from about 2% to about 10% of the at least onealkanolamide, and from about 1% to about 15% of the at least oneelectrolyte.
 55. The composition of claim 53, wherein the benefit agentcomprises an anti-dandruff agent, a pigment or opacifying agent,moisturizing beads, a natural abrasive, a synthetic abrasive, asunscreen agent, a vegetable oil, an animal fat, a mineral oil,petrolatum, a silicone oil, a polyalkylsiloxane, polyalkyarylsiloxane,an ester, a fatty acid, an alcohol, a depigmentation agent, areflectant, a UV absorber, a thickening agent, a detangling/wet combingagent, a film forming polymer, a humectant, an amino acid or amino acidderivative, an antimicrobial agent, an anti-acne agent, an anti-agingagent, an antiseptic, an analgesic, a local anesthetic, an anti-hairloss agent, a hair growth inhibitor agent, an inflammation inhibitor, aprotein, a deodorant, an antiperspirant, a skin emollient, a skinmoisturizer, a hair conditioner, a hair softener, a hair moisturizer, avitamin, a tanning agent, a skin lightening agent, an antifungal agent,a depilating agent, a counterirritant, a hemorrhoidal, an insecticide, asunscreen, or a combination thereof.
 56. The composition of claim 53,wherein the benefit agent comprises a vegetable oil comprising arachisoil, castor oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, corn oil, cotton seed oil,olive oil, palm kernel oil, rapeseed oil, safflower seed oil, sesameseed oil, soybean oil, or a combination thereof.
 57. The composition ofclaim 53, wherein the benefit agent comprises: a fatty acid comprisingbehenic acid, palmitic acid, or stearic acid; or an alcohol comprisingbehenyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, eicosanyl alcohol, or isocetyl alcohol.58. The composition of claim 53, wherein the benefit agent comprises ahair conditioning agent.
 59. The composition of claim 58, wherein thehair conditioning agent comprises a silicone, a silicone derivative, anatural oil, a nonionic surfactant, a wax, a synthetic oil, a cationicsurfactant, or a polymer.
 60. The composition of claim 53, wherein thebenefit agent comprises a skin treatment agent or a skin conditioningagent.
 61. The composition of claim 60, wherein the benefit agentcomprises salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, a vitamin, a vitamincomplex, an abrasive, a silicone, a silicone derivative, a natural oil,a synthetic oil, or a polymer.
 62. The composition of claim 53, whereinthe benefit agent comprises a hair styling polymer.
 63. The compositionof claim 53, wherein the benefit agent comprises a high molecular weightconditioning polymer or a conditioning polymer having a high cationiccharge density.
 64. The composition of claim 53, wherein the benefitagent comprises a precipitated conditioning polymer.
 65. The compositionof claim 53, wherein said composition consists essentially of theanionic surfactant or mixture of anionic surfactants, the at least onealkanolamide, the at least one electrolyte, the at least one benefitagent, and water.
 66. The composition of claim 55, wherein saidcomposition consists essentially of the anionic surfactant or mixture ofanionic surfactants, the at least one alkanolamide, the at least oneelectrolyte, the at least one benefit agent, and water.
 67. Thecomposition of claim 53, wherein the composition is capable maintainingthe air bubbles in suspension after at least one freeze thaw cycle. 68.The composition of claim 53, wherein the composition is stable under atleast three freeze/thaw cycles.
 69. The composition of claim 53, whereinthe composition has a lamellar liquid crystal structure.
 70. Thecomposition of claim 53, wherein the composition comprises from about10% to about 20% by weight of the anionic surfactant or mixture ofanionic surfactants.
 71. The composition of claim 70, wherein the atleast one alkanolamide comprises about 2% to about 5% by weight of thecomposition, and the at least one electrolyte comprises about 1% toabout 6% by weight of the composition.
 72. The composition of claim 53,wherein the composition comprises a mixture of anionic surfactants andat least one anionic surfactant of the mixture of anionic surfactantscomprises an aliphatic sulfonate, an aromatic sulfonate, an alkylsulfate, an alkyl ether sulfate, an alkyl sulfosuccinate, an alkyltaurate, an acyl taurate, an alkyl sarcosinate, an acyl sarcosinate, aC₈-C₂₂ alkyl phosphate, an alkyl phosphate ester, an alkoxyl alkylphosphate ester, an acyl lactate, a C₈-C₂₂ monoalkyl succinate, a C₈-C₂₂monoalkyl maleate, or an acyl isethionate.
 73. The composition of claim53, wherein the composition comprises a mixture of anionic surfactantsand at least one anionic surfactant of the mixture of anionicsurfactants comprises an aliphatic sulfonate, an aromatic sulfonate, analkyl sulfate, or an alkyl ether sulfate.
 74. The composition of claim73, wherein the at least one anionic surfactant of the mixture ofanionic surfactants comprises an alkyl sulfate or alkyl ether sulfate.75. The composition of claim 74, wherein the at least one anionicsurfactant of the mixture of anionic surfactants comprises sodiumlaureth sulfate, magnesium laureth sulfate, or a combination thereof.76. The composition of claim 53, further comprising at least oneadditional surfactant comprising a nonionic, amphoteric, zwitterionic,or cationic surfactant, or a combination thereof.
 77. The composition ofclaim 76, wherein said additional surfactant comprises a betainesurfactant, a sulphobetaine surfactant, an amphoacetate surfactant, or adiamphoacetate surfactant.
 78. The composition of claim 76, wherein thetotal amount of surfactants in the composition ranges from about 8% toabout 30% by weight.
 79. The composition of claim 53, wherein thealkanolamide comprises a branched aliphatic chain, an unsaturatedaliphatic chain, or a combination thereof.
 80. The composition of claim53, wherein the alkanolamide comprises a compound of formula:

wherein: R is a C₅-C₂₄ saturated or unsaturated, straight chain orbranched aliphatic group, R₁ and R₂ are the same or different, C₂-C₄straight chain or branched aliphatic x ranges from 0 to 10, y rangesfrom 1 to 10, and the sum of x and y is less than or equal to
 10. 81.The composition of claim 53, wherein the composition comprises fromabout 2% to about 5% by weight of the at least one alkanolamide.
 82. Thecomposition of claim 53, wherein the at least one alkanolamide comprisescoco monethanolamide, coco monoisopropanolamide, or an alkoxylatedcocamide.
 83. The composition of claim 53, wherein the at least oneelectrolyte comprises a phosphate, chloride, sulfate, or citrate anionor a sodium, ammonium, potassium, or magnesium cation.
 84. A stable,multi-phase personal care formulation comprising a composition, whereinsaid composition comprises, based on the weight of the composition: (a)from about 5% to about 30% of an anionic surfactant or a mixture ofanionic surfactants, wherein the anionic surfactant or at least oneanionic surfactant of the mixture comprises sodium trideceth sulfate,(b) from about 2% to about 10% of at least one alkanolamide, (c) fromabout 1% to about 15% of at least one electrolyte, (d) at least onebenefit agent, and (e) water, wherein the composition possessesnon-Newtonian shear thinning properties and a stable viscosity under atleast one freeze/thaw cycle and is capable of suspending water-insolubleparticles or partially insoluble components; and further wherein theinitial viscosity of the composition is equal to or greater than 3,000cps.
 85. The personal care formulation of claim 84, wherein theformulation comprises a striped body wash, a hair shampoo, a skincleanser, a child care formulation, a facial wash, or and skintreatment.
 86. The composition of claim 84, wherein the composition hasa pH ranging from 4 to 6.5.
 87. The composition of claim 53, wherein thecomposition has a pH ranging from 4 to 6.5.